Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Massachusetts Lawmakers Pass Historic Transgender Equal Rights Bill

Just a few moments ago, the Massachusetts legislature passed the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The bill adds protections to the state’s civil rights laws against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and credit based on gender identity or expression and adds gender identity and expression to the state’s hate crimes law. Governor Patrick, a leader in the fight for transgender protections, has said he will sign the bill into law.

After six years of waiting and working, An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights (H.502/ S.764) has passed in Massachusetts! The bill adds “gender identity and expression” to Massachusetts’ existing discrimination laws regarding employment, housing, education and credit discrimination. It also adds gender identity and expression to the list of categories protected under the state’s hate crime law. Within the act, gender identity and expression is defined as “a gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual regardless of the individual’s physiology or assigned sex at birth.” [Boston]

Unfortunately, critical language which protected transgender residents in public accommodations (like grocery stores, theatres, libraries, and hospitals) was taken out of the presented bill. But we must be clear-- the bill as voted on offers vitally important protections that literally will save lives and ensure the overall well-being of transgender residents throughout the Commonwealth.